The Southeastern Utah Health Department would like to share some healthy holiday tips as folks gather together and/or prepare their Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
“Last year we noticed in an extreme way in our Moab office and we wanted people to be aware that there is a possibility that every time you gather with people that you aren’t with a lot, that you’re not exposed to their germs that we potentially might be exposed to some outbreaks, last year it was pertussis,” said Environmental Health Director, Brady Bradford. If you are coughing or feel as though you are coming down with a virus, take some extra precautions, whether is distancing yourself from the family or wearing a mask. Flu shots are still available at the health department office located at 28 South 100 East during regular clinic hours, Monday, through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
It’s not only germs that individuals need to worry about during large gatherings, but the holidays mean a lot of time spent in the kitchen cooking meals for holiday dinners. “You know we tend to have traditions, a lot of people stick their turkey in the tub and let it thaw out for a couple of days and that’s not a good plan. You want to plan ahead get it out on Sunday, if you have a frozen turkey put it in your fridge, it will be ready by the time you need to cook it on Thanksgiving,” stated Bradford. Plan to cook your turkey immediately and use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey, as well as, the stuffing. Stuffing used inside the bird should never be consumed due to cross contamination with the raw meat. A separate dish of stuffing is more appropriate to serve. Always wash your hands before handling and preparing food to illuminate the spread of germs.
During the holidays there is plenty of leftovers from dinner and goodies available for folks to “graze” before and after dinner. Most of the time guests are able to grab and go and don’t even think twice about how they served themselves. If you are the hostess take time to set out serving utensils for guests to reduce passing germs. As far as leftovers, they should always be refrigerated to avoid food poisoning.
By not taking extra precautions for your health it can lead to a very miserable holiday season. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Southeast Health Department at 637-3671.